It is believed to have escaped months ago from a home on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

A photo posted by city officials shows a spotted feline that appears to be a cross between a house cat and a leopard. Known as a serval, the cats are native to Africa, according to the African Wildlife Foundation.

“The cat may be social with humans, however Animal Control does not suggest anyone approach or interact with it,” said the city’s Facebook post. “This type of cat is known to eat small rodents, such as mice and squirrels, as well as small birds.”

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The long-legged feline was reported wandering the 2300 block of Shore Drive, the city’s post says. Virginia Beach is just above the North Carolina state line, north of the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge on the Outer Banks.

Virginia Beach Animal Control officers responded to the Wednesday report, but found only animal tracks, officials said.

The cat stands just over 2 feet at the shoulders, officials said. It was seen with two black collar boxes around its neck, which officials said may be for “electric fencing or tracking.”

“Traps have been set and wildlife trackers have worked to find him, but the elusive feline evaded capture,” said OBXToday.com on Wednesday.

Tucker is a 20-year-old half-Mane coon cat who ballooned up to 31 pounds through downtown apartment living. Now he qualifies as a Raleigh celebrity.

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